Tips for Prevention & Treatment of Spring Allergies

Allergies are the body’s response to a (normally harmless) substance that it sees as an “invader.” These “invaders” are usually pollen, animal dander, molds, dust mites, specific foods, or insect stings.² An allergen is a substance that elicits a reaction from your body’s defense system — your immune system. Your body produces allergic antibodies to find allergens and get them out of your system — stat! A chemical in the body called “histamine” is released during that process, which causes all of those nasty spring allergy symptoms you experience.²

What Causes Spring Allergies?

The most likely trigger of spring allergies is tree pollination, which can start as early as February. Then, you’ll face grass pollen later in the spring and summer months. Hay fever — also called “seasonal allergic rhinitis” — is the body’s allergic response to any pollen.²

Spring Allergy Symptoms

There are several spring allergy symptoms you might experience. Some people experience just one; others deal with a few of these symptoms, and some are battered with each of these spring allergy symptoms all season long. Symptoms include:

• Runny nose or congestion
• Sneezing
• Wheezing, possibly caused by swelling in the throat or airways, can also lead to trouble breathing.
• Shortness of breath caused by swelling and mucus in the lungs (which means the lungs aren’t able to hold as much air)
• A dry, persistent cough
• Dry, scratchy throat, with possible mild throat pain
• Fatigue from allergy symptoms or an allergic reaction
• Headaches from sinus pain or migraines
• Itchy, watery eyes

Learn about Spring Allergy Home Remedies, Medical Treatments, and Tips to Prevent Spring Allergies at CareCredit — so you can spend less time sneezing and more time enjoying the season.